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Economics, Ph.D.

  • Application Deadline
  • 48 months
    Duration
University rank #79 (QS) ,
The PhD programme in Economics from University of Birmingham is designed to train doctoral researchers to conduct research of high academic merit and to make important and original contributions to the subject.

About

Doctoral researchers are expected to participate to the fullest possible extent in the life of the Department. Amongst other things this means attending seminars organised by the Department thereby helping expose doctoral researchers to new ideas emanating from outside their own area of specialisation. It also requires actively participating in PhD workshops and conferences organised by Research Groups and institutions outside the University of Birmingham.

Ultimately all doctoral researchers will have the ability to identify and pursue cutting edge research questions, characterise and solve economic problems using advanced mathematical tools, and test hypotheses using highly sophisticated statistical techniques. They should be able to derive policy implications from their research and communicate these to policy makers in a manner which is comprehensible. They will also be able to peer review others’ research and offer constructive criticism, and to extend the frontiers of the discipline through their own innovative research.

Career prospects

Recent Economics PhD from University of Birmingham graduates from Birmingham Business School are working in central banks, Government departments, a variety of financial institutions, accountancy firms, supranational organisations and multinational corporations. Many of our PhD graduates also go on to forge successful academic careers in other top Universities.

Detailed Programme Facts

  • Programme intensity Full-time
    • Full-time duration 48 months
    • Duration description
      Normally 4 years full-time (this is usually reduced to 3 years for students who have already completed a taught MSc degree in the Department)
  • Languages
    • English
  • Delivery mode
    On Campus

Programme Structure

Course structure includes:

  • Doctoral researchers in Economics are registered for a full time 3-year PhD. In the first year of the programme students are required to take Advanced Research Methods in Economics and strongly recommended to take Advanced Research Training in Microeconomics, Advanced Research Training in Macroeconomics and Advanced Research Training in Econometrics. 
  • But depending on their needs doctoral researchers could substitute one course (other than Advanced Research Methods in Economics) from the Department’s suite of MSc programmes. 
  • By the end of their first year doctoral students will have completed a 10,000 word research proposal that they will present at a PhD workshop. This forms the basis for supervised research over the remaining two years of the programme and the production of an 80,000 word thesis. 

English Language Requirements

You need the following IELTS score:

  • Minimum required score:

    7

    The IELTS – or the International English Language Test System – tests your English-language abilities (writing, listening, speaking, and reading) on a scale of 1.00–9.00. The minimum IELTS score requirement refers to which Overall Band Score you received, which is your combined average score. Read more about IELTS.

    StudyPortals Tip: The UK government has confirmed new English-language testing requirements for visa and immigration purposes. Learn more

Academic Requirements

Entry requirements include amongst other things a good first degree and a good Masters degree (with either a merit or a distinction) in Economics or a related subject including relevant mathematical and statistical techniques.

Tuition Fee

  • International Applies to you

    18360 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 18360 GBP per year and a duration of 48 months.

  • EU/EEA Applies to you

    4320 GBP/year
    Tuition Fee
    Based on the original amount of 4320 GBP per year and a duration of 48 months.
We've labeled the tuition fee that applies to you because we think you are from and prefer over other currencies.

Living costs for Birmingham

  • 765 - 1140 GBP/month
    Living Costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

It is likely that the Department will have at least two fully funded ESRC scholarships. These offer the payment of fees and generous maintenance grants of circa £16,500 per annum. These are available to students from both inside and outside the EU. There are moreover no restrictions on the area of research. There are however strict deadlines regarding the application process. Applications must be received by 9 December 2013. Competition for these scholarships is intense and those hoping to obtain one of these awards will need to have an outstanding academic transcript. 

StudyPortals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.

The Global Study Awards: get funded with up to £10,000 to study abroad

Together with the ISIC Association and British Council IELTS, Studyportals offers you the chance to receive up to £10000 to expand your horizon and study abroad. We want to ultimately encourage you to study abroad in order to experience and explore new countries, cultures and languages.

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